River Landforms Flashcards
What is a V-shaped valley?
A V-shaped valley is a narrow valley with steep sides, formed by the erosion of a river.
How is a waterfall formed?
A waterfall is formed when a river flows over a steep drop or cliff, eroding the rock below.
What are meanders?
Meanders are winding curves or bends in a river, formed by the erosion and deposition of sediment.
What is an oxbow lake?
An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped lake formed when a meander from a river is cut off.
True or False: Floodplains are areas of land adjacent to rivers that are prone to flooding.
True
What are levees?
Levees are raised banks along the sides of a river designed to prevent flooding.
Fill in the blank: The process of a river eroding its banks to form meanders is called __________.
lateral erosion
What is the primary force behind the formation of V-shaped valleys?
The primary force is the vertical erosion by the river.
How does a waterfall contribute to landscape formation?
Waterfalls can create plunge pools and lead to the erosion of surrounding rocks, shaping the landscape.
What happens to a river’s speed as it meanders?
The river’s speed decreases on the inside of the bend and increases on the outside.
True or False: Oxbow lakes are formed as rivers change their course over time.
True
What is the term for the flat area surrounding a river that may be flooded during high water?
Floodplain
Multiple Choice: What is the main cause of meander formation? A) Sediment deposition B) Glacial activity C) Tectonic uplift D) River erosion
D) River erosion
What natural process can lead to the formation of levees?
The deposition of sediment during flooding events.
Fill in the blank: The steep drop at a waterfall is often referred to as a __________.
cataract
What type of erosion is primarily responsible for creating V-shaped valleys?
Vertical erosion
How do oxbow lakes eventually become part of the terrestrial ecosystem?
They can become filled with sediment and turn into wetlands or marshes.
True or False: Floodplains are always completely dry.
False
What role do levees play in flood management?
Levees help to contain river water and protect adjacent land from flooding.
What is the effect of a waterfall on river sediment transport?
Waterfalls can trap sediment, preventing it from moving downstream.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following features is a result of river erosion? A) Oxbow lake B) Delta C) Levee D) Alluvial fan
A) Oxbow lake
What is a key characteristic of a floodplain?
It is a flat area that can be periodically flooded by river overflow.
Fill in the blank: The process of a river cutting through rock layers to form a waterfall is called __________.
erosion
What happens to the shape of a river as it ages?
It tends to develop more meanders and wider floodplains.
True or False: Levees can be both natural and man-made.
True
What is the significance of meanders in a river system?
Meanders help to slow down the flow of water and promote sediment deposition.
How do waterfalls affect the ecosystems around them?
They create unique habitats and microclimates due to the spray and moisture.
What is the primary reason for the formation of oxbow lakes?
The natural erosion of the riverbank leading to the river cutting a new path.
Fill in the blank: The area where a river meets the ocean is known as a __________.
delta
